Exit Slip 10/05

 I really appreciated our conversation about gender biases in Math and Science classrooms. It made me reflect on my own unconscious bias and reminded me of a time in University when my Math professor offered me a research position and I felt like I would not be capable of contributing in a significant way. He challenged me by saying that many students who identify as women and who are in STEM often don't have confidence in their ability to do research, but it's not true. I appreciated that he challenged my bias and I think teachers have many opportunities to challenge gender norms in the classroom. Even in the way students are affirmed or the roles they are encouraged to follow in the class can encourage or discourage societal norms. Students who are gender nonconforming also desire to have a deep sense of belonging in their classrooms and see themselves as equal contributors. Some things I want to do differently from my teachers include: not splitting classes up by gender, not celebrating sitting well/being quiet, introducing mathematicians of varying identities and backgrounds and encouraging students in their abilities to pursue Math/science.